Promoting the Transition to Carbon Neutrality in Specialized Agricultural Systems: Insights from the Emilia-Romagna Multi-Actor Platform

Emilia-Romagna is a region of the northeast of Italy characterized by a thriving agri-food sector with several registered geographical indications important for the regional economy. However, the increasing specialization of cropping systems and the homogenization of agricultural landscapes are causing significant problems for land and water resources which are also increasingly exposed to the risks of climate change. In this context, the Emilia-Romagna Multi-actor Platform was established to gather local knowledge to be transferred to EU institutions through the methodology established in the H2020 project SHERPA. Between 2021 and 2022, workshops and interviews were conducted with regional stakeholders to elicit their views on the topic of promoting a transition to carbon-neutral agriculture and achieving more resilient rural areas. The results show that innovative instruments, such as result-based approaches, carbon markets and environmental certification can provide opportunities for farmers in the transition to carbon neutrality. However, there is a need for evidence-based policymaking that benefits from multi-actor and participatory approaches to get a clearer understanding of local specificities and potential trade-offs behind these instruments. A new governance model supporting territorial approaches, collaborative networks, and participatory decision-making processes is crucial for navigating the complexities of the transition to a carbon-neutral agricultural sector.